Experience Capri: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Italy's Enchanting Island
Discover the True Magic of Capri
Capri, is one of the most stunning islands off the coast of Italy, and is truly a dream destination known for its beauty, luxury, and charm. While many visitors rush to see the famous Blue Grotto or lounge by the beaches, Capri offers so much more than just its iconic landmarks. It's a place of rich history, breathtaking hikes, amazing food, and unique local experiences that make you want to explore and truly experience this island.
This comprehensive guide will give you more than just the typical tourist experience, as we hope to help you find the most revealing and authentic aspects that Capri has to offer that will make you want to explore and come back year after year.
Why Capri Deserves More Than Just a Day Trip
When you think of Capri, your mind likely goes straight to the sparkling waters of the Blue Grotto or the breathtaking views of the Faraglioni rocks. While these two landmarks are absolutely must sees, there's so much more waiting for you on this island. Capri is an island where every corner offers something new, from picturesque coastal paths to hidden gardens and charming local spots that will give you a different appreciation for the island.
Pro Tip: Capri is not just a day-trip destination; it's a place to slow down, enjoy the magic, and truly immerse yourself in its beauty. We recommend staying at least 2-3 nights to fully experience its charm (but if you can swing it, 4-5 days is perfect if you truly want to slow down and enjoy everything the island has to offer).
Essential Things to Know Before You Go
The Blue Grotto Can Close Due to Weather: If seas get choppy, the Blue Grotto may be closed to visitors. Always check conditions before planning your trip there. That being said - if the Blue Grotto is the one thing you must do, make sure you plan a back-up day just in case the grotto closes.
Wear Comfy Shoes: Capri's cobblestone streets and steep hills mean comfortable, sturdy shoes are highly recommended. While people like to dress to impress when visiting Capri, be sure to find some comfortable shoes you can walk around in. Whether you're hiking to Monte Solaro or strolling around Capri Town, practical footwear is a must (or be sure to bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes).
Capri is Walkable, but Transportation Options Help: While many areas of the island are walkable, taxis and the funicular connecting the port with Capri Town will save you from exhausting uphill climbs. We found taxis very easy and accessible to flag down.
Best Time to Visit Capri
Late April–June & September–October: These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You'll enjoy the best of Capri without the intense summer heat and tourist masses.
July & August: While the weather is beautiful, expect crowded streets, high temperatures, and higher prices during peak summer months.
Capri vs. Anacapri: Choosing Your Base
Capri Town
The heart of the island, Capri Town is chic, lively, and bustling with high-end shops, cafes, and nightlife. It's perfect for those who want to be in the middle of the action and experience the glamour of Capri. We really liked staying within a short walk (or taxi ride) from Capri Town. If you are looking to be in the action, you will definitely want to stay in or near Capri Town. Capri Town also has some of the best restaurants on the island and many of the boutique and high-end shops are located in this area.
Anacapri
For a quieter, more local vibe, Anacapri is the place to be. It's charming, with fewer tourists, and offers stunning hiking trails, like the Fortini Walk and Monte Solaro, along with incredible views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea. If you are looking for a more laid back experience Anacapri is the place to go. You are close to some amazing hikes and viewpoints and can find some more local restaurants on this side of the island.
Where to Stay: Luxury Spotlight
If you want the ultimate in luxury and a truly unforgettable experience, JK Place Capri is the place to stay. This boutique hotel feels more like a private villa than a typical hotel. From the moment we arrived to the minute we left we felt like we were part of the family while staying at this beautiful villa. Here are some of our highlights:
Stunning Villa-Style Architecture: Beautiful design incorporating sleek modern elements with classic Mediterranean touches - We loved the interior design and mix of chic with coastal vibes. The villa had wonderful sitting areas, reading rooms, and places to lounge with an aperitivo in hand.
Oceanfront Setting: Sweeping views of the coast from its position above Marina Grande. We especially enjoyed the veranda seating area with sweeping views of the sea. This was a great place to just relax and take in the beautiful scenery around us. There is also a small beach right below the villa (although it is a little bit of a walk to get down to).
Impeccable Service: We can’t say enough great things about the staff. The staff truly goes above and beyond for a five-star experience. From everything from coordinating experiences, to remember each guest’s name and face. The staff did an amazing job of making you feel welcome and are part of the JK experience.
Spa-like Rooms: The Calming colors, luxurious touches, and panoramic views. We loved the huge room and outdoor deck.
Great Location: The JK has convenient access to both Capri Town and Anacapri making it a great place to enjoy everything Capri has to offer.
Getting to Capri & Around the Island
Ferries: The most common way to reach Capri is via ferries from Sorrento (45 minutes), Naples (about an hour), or Positano.
Porters: Once at the port, porters can carry your bags to your hotel (for a fee), especially helpful for accommodations up the hill.
Funicular: From Marina Grande (the port), take the scenic funicular ride to Capri Town.
Taxis: Convenient for getting around if you don't feel like walking, though they can be pricey depending on where you want to go on the island.
Water Taxis: Consider these for getting between Marina Grande and beaches like Marina Piccola—often faster than buses during peak season.
Capri's Weather
Capri enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate:
Spring/Summer: Warm springs and hot summers moderated by cooling sea breezes.
Fall: Mild with occasional rain, perfect for exploring without intense heat.
Winter: Quieter with occasional rain; some attractions may be closed (many of the hotels and restaurants will be at reduced capacity and many of the workers leave during this time period once the main tourist season ends).
Popular Beaches to Visit
Capri offers several stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm:
Marina Piccola: This picturesque beach faces the famous Faraglioni rocks, providing one of the most iconic views on the island. The water here is crystal clear and typically warmer than other beaches due to its sheltered southern location. You can get here by foot or you can take a taxi down near the beach. It can get a bit crowded here, so remember to come early to find a spot.
Marina Grande: The main port beach is surprisingly pleasant and convenient, especially if you're short on time. While more developed than other beaches, it offers easy access to restaurants and facilities. This is more of a beach of convenience, but with its close proximity to the port, it can get really crowded. There is a beach club here that offers many amenities, so if you are looking for an established beach area it is a great choice. Just note, the area is a rocky, so we recommend bringing water shoes.
Bagni di Tiberio: These ancient Roman emperor Tiberius's private swimming spots are now accessible to all. Reached primarily by boat, these rocky coves offer crystal-clear waters and fascinating historical significance. The bagni offers a restaurant and beach club and is a great place to relax for the day. Space is a bit limited though - so it is best to reserve a place in advance.
Faro Beach (Lighthouse Beach): Near the Punta Carena lighthouse in Anacapri, this is where locals go to enjoy stunning sunsets. The large flat rocks create natural platforms for sunbathing. This is a great place to relax, especially in the afternoon. This is usually a more secluded beach as it is harder to get to, but offers amazing views and a great place to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean.
Green Grotto (Grotta Verde): This was one of our favorite places to swim! The Green Grotto is less famous than its Blue counterpart but equally magnificent, featuring emerald-tinted waters best experienced by boat. I believe the only way to experience the Green Grotto is either to take a boat tour or to kayak out - we would recommend taking a boat tour to reach this beautiful swimming area.
Top Restaurants & Cafés
Da Gelsomina (Anacapri): This restaurant was one of our absolute favorites! A rustic family-run restaurant with authentic Italian food and breathtaking views of the island, perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The wine selection is fantastic. Another bonus is that they offer a shuttle to the restaurant.
JK Capri Restaurant: Located within the JK Place hotel, serving refined local dishes in a beautiful setting with incredible views. We had the local fish there and it was fantastic. The JK Capri offers a great wine and cocktail selection. We highly recommend this restaurant.
Ristorante Panorama: Known for its delicious pizza and pasta, the restaurant offers great food and amazing panoramic views. Stop here for the food and stay for the amazing views from the terrace.
Il Riccio: For a Michelin-starred experience, offering fantastic seafood and a beautiful view of the Faraglioni rocks. This restaurant is located very close to the Blue Grotto and is a must if you are looking for the quintessential Mediterranean dining experience in Capri.
Gelato at Buonocore: A must-try when strolling around Capri Town, offering what many consider the island's best gelato.
Best Bars with Views
Terrazza Brunella: This bar and restaurant is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea with breathtaking panoramic views and an exceptional cocktail menu. Sunset drinks here are unforgettable. This is definitely worth a visit.
Bar Funicolare: Located near the funicular station in Capri Town, offering surprising views considering its convenient location, perfect for an aperitivo. This bar is perfect for an afternoon snack and drink with amazing views from the top of the island.
Pulalli Wine Bar: Hidden away in the clock tower of Capri's iconic Piazzetta, this intimate wine bar offers stunning views over the square and marina with plenty of local and regional wines. This is a really cool place to experience Capri Town.
La Terrazza di Lucullo: This bar is located in Anacapri inside of the Hotel Caesar Augustus. This stylish bar offers spectacular views and artfully crafted cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere.
La Palette: A charming bar in Anacapri with beautiful garden seating and views stretching to the sea, known for fresh fruit cocktails.
Hidden Gems & Favorite Viewpoints
Via Krupp: This historic winding path connects the top of the island to the sea with incredible views. We loved this hike because it gives you dramatic views of the sea and landscape and provides amazing photo spots throughout the hike.
Arco Naturale: This hike is easily accessible from Capri Town. The hiking path leads you to a natural stone arch with breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape, perfect for photos.
Villa Lysis: This secluded villa is located in the northwest part of the island and contains both fascinating history and stunning views of the island. A great place to take in the beautiful island, plus another great picture area!
Monte Solaro: The highest point on the island offering incredible panoramic views of Capri, the coast, and even Mount Vesuvius in the distance. You can choose to either hike up Monte Solara or take the chairlift to the top. Once you reach the summit of Monte Solaro you are greeted with amazing views of the island as well as a little bar and cafe at the top.
Secret Coastal Paths & Fortini Walk: This lesser-known paths offering stunning views without the crowds and is perfect for nature lovers wanting to experience the beautiful greenery.
Shopping in Capri
Luxury Fashion: Home to high-end boutiques and designer shops like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Balenciaga, downtown Capri is a shopper's (or window shopper’s) dream destination. You can find plenty of high end and luxury brands from purses to shoes to clothes.
Custom Sandals: One of Capri's best souvenirs is a pair of hand-made sandals, with many shops offering custom designs. Ash designed her own sandals and had them hand made in one of the stores. It was a really cool experience!
Local Perfumes, Ceramics, & Limoncello: There are tons of fantastic artisan shops selling local perfumes, handmade soaps, handmade ceramics, and the famous limoncello.
Best Photo Spots
Gardens of Augustus: Located in near Capri Town the gardens offer postcard-perfect views of the Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola.
Belvedere of Tragara: The endpoint of the elegant Via Tragara shopping street provides spectacular views. The promenade is a great place to look out and enjoy the dramatic sea views.
Punta Carena Lighthouse: If you have some time, be sure to make your way to this beautiful spot away from the crowds. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset!
Villa San Michele: In Anacapri, the villa's terraces offer some of the best panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
Day Trip Itineraries
Capri in One Day
For day-trippers, prioritize the funicular to Capri Town, Gardens of Augustus for Faraglioni views, lunch in the Piazzetta, and a quick boat tour if time permits to see the Blue Grotto.
Adventure Day
Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro in the morning, hike down to Anacapri for lunch, then walk the scenic Fortini coastal path in the afternoon.
Relaxation Day
Book a beach club lounger at Marina Piccola in the morning, enjoy a long lunch at Da Paolino (famous for its lemon tree setting), followed by sunset drinks at one of the viewpoint bars. If you have time book a 2 hour boat tour to take you around the island and swim in the Green Grotto.
If you are looking for a more detailed itinerary check out our detailed Capri in 3-days and What We Wish We Had More Time For.
Best Tours & Experiences
Private Boat Tours: One of the best ways to experience the island's beauty from the water. Cruise around the Faraglioni rocks, visit the Blue Grotto, or enjoy a secluded beach day. We absolutely loved our private boat tour around the island - this was one of our highlights of the entire trip!
Guided Hikes or walking tours: For outdoor enthusiasts, guided hikes around the island's stunning cliffs and hills will give you an insider's view of Capri's natural wonders.
Food & Wine Tastings: Explore the island's rich culinary culture with a wine and food tour featuring local wines, olive oils, and traditional dishes.
Practical Tips
Island Etiquette: Capri has maintained its elegance partly through certain unspoken rules—modest dress when visiting churches, appropriate attire in restaurants (even casual ones), and quiet respect in residential areas.
Capri Beyond Summer: Consider visiting in May or September when the weather is still beautiful but crowds are thinner and prices lower.
Swimming Spot Alternatives: While the Blue Grotto is magnificent, it can be crowded and sometimes closed. The White Grotto (Grotta Bianca) or Green Grotto offer equally stunning swim experiences with fewer crowds.
Aperitivo Culture: Embrace the evening aperitivo tradition (typically 6-8 PM) but don't rush it—Capriotes treat this as a leisurely social ritual. Order a Campari or local limoncello, and avoid asking for the check immediately after finishing your drink.
Greeting Customs: A simple "Buongiorno" (morning) or "Buonasera" (evening) when entering shops, restaurants, or passing locals on quieter streets is expected and appreciated. Capri locals are generally reserved but warm up to visitors who make this small effort.
Shopping Etiquette: Don't haggle in Capri's boutiques—prices are fixed and bargaining is considered inappropriate. However, do take time to admire items properly; rushing through luxury shops or handling merchandise carelessly is frowned upon.
Beach and Boat Behavior: At beach clubs and when taking boat tours, wait for staff to show you to your spot rather than choosing your own. Tipping boat captains and beach attendants (even small amounts) is customary and helps ensure better service for future visits.
We hope this tips help you make the most of your Capri experience! Capri isn't just a destination; it's an experience that engages all your senses. From the scent of lemon groves and Mediterranean herbs to the taste of fresh seafood and local wines, from the sound of waves against the rocky shores to the feel of warm sun on your skin as you gaze at breathtaking views—Capri offers a complete sensory journey that stays with you long after you've left its shores.
Whether you're lounging by the sea, savoring a delicious meal, or hiking to the island's highest peak, there's always something new to discover in this magical Italian escape. Take your time, wander off the beaten path, and let Capri reveal its true character to you.
Take the time to embrace Capri to its fullest and we are sure this experience will stay with you for a lifetime!
Want more Capri inspiration? Check out our full itinerary for how to spend 3-days in Capri and our companion piece: What We Wish We Had Time For: 3 More Unforgettable Days in Capri, where we reveal the hikes, experiences, and hidden gems we’re already dreaming about for our next visit.
